The sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of the largest of the several species of beautiful white cockatoos. It is a different species than the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo. Although spectacular in appearance, this huge, active parrot is brilliant, long-lived, and noisy; and it is very challenging to keep as a pet. This bird expects a lot from its owner and it is recommended only for experienced owners who are up to the task. For a motivated owner, the sulphur-crested is a once-in-a-lifetime pet.

Origin and History

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Their preferred habitat is along the edges of tropical and subtropical rainforests. They are also a familiar sight in urban areas. In some parts of Australia, this bird is so plentiful that people consider it a nuisance. The Wild Bird Conservation Act prohibits the import of sulphur-crested cockatoos to the United States, so most pet birds now are captive-bred. 

There are four subspecies, hailing from different geographic locations with slightly different physical characteristics:

• Cacatua galerita triton: Called the Triton cockatoo, comes from New Guinea and the surrounding islands
• C. g. eleonora: Eleonora cockatoo, comes from some of the eastern Indonesian islands
• C. g. fitzroyi: Mathews cockatoo, comes from northern Australia
• C. g. galerita: Standard sulfur-crested cockatoo, comes from eastern Australia. This is the most common subspecies.

The lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo looks similar to the (greater) sulphur-crested cockatoo, occupies a different geographic range, and is not a typical pet bird.

Temperament

Cockatoos are an affectionate species among the various types of parrots; the sulphur-crested is typical in this regard. You must be willing to devote the time and energy to form a strong bond with a bird. A sulphur-crested cockatoo loves to be handled but also needs enough alone time to learn self-sufficiency, which is no small feat.

This bird is a more emotionally complicated pet species than other cockatoos and is prone to sudden, unpredictable movements that can be startling, although the intent is rarely aggressive. This demanding bird can become self-abusive and destructive if it does not get the attention it needs.1

They are considered one of the most intelligent parrots. They have the learning capacity of a 1- to 2-year-old human child and can learn to talk and do tricks. Young birds will be easiest to train and socialize.

Speech and Vocalizations

These birds are excellent mimics and can quickly learn to speak words and phrases. The sulphur-crested cockatoo also has a piercingly loud shriek. This species is not well-suited to apartment living as its noisiness can be considered a nuisance to close neighbors.

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Colors and Markings

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are primarily white with black beaks. They sport a beautiful crest of yellow feathers on top of their heads. It has a yellow wash on the underside of its wings.

The sexes look similar, although the female can be distinguished at close range by its reddish-brown eye. The male's eyes are darker brown or black. This distinction does not become apparent until the bird has reached maturity, which varies between 3 to 5 years of age.

Caring for the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are large birds that need very spacious enclosures. At a minimum, the cage should have a footprint of about 40 inches by 40 inches and at least 5 feet tall. A bigger cage is better, and best of all is an aviary environment.

The birds naturally emit a downy powder, which aids in keeping their wings and skin healthy. This powder may be problematic for some people with allergies.1

Bird bathing is strictly an individual preference. In the wild, some cockatoos enjoy standing in the rain while others avoid it.

Common Health Issues

The health issues affecting sulphur-crested cockatoos are similar to those for other cockatoos and parrots of the same size. This bird is especially prone to rebellious behavior problems if it does not get attention and adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They may start feather plucking and destructive chewing.1 To avoid these unwanted behaviors, owners must be diligent about providing their pets with plenty of toys and attention.

Like other parrots, sulphur-crested cockatoos are prone to fatty tumors if their diets do not include enough fresh vegetables and fruit.2 This species is also susceptible to psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), a viral condition.3

Diet and Nutrition

In the wild, sulphur-crested cockatoos feast on seeds, grain, and insects that they harvest from trees. In captivity, they need a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Experienced owners of sulphur-crested cockatoos take great care in preparing their birds' diets, as cockatoos can quickly suffer from the effects of poor nutrition.1

A well-formulated, high-quality parrot pellet should account for 75 percent of its dietary needs. The remaining 25 percent should be fresh fruits and vegetables. Start by offering your bird 1/4 cup of pellets and 1/4 cup of fruits daily. Increase the amount as needed. Nuts and seeds can be given sparingly as training treats.

Exercise

The sulphur-crested cockatoo is a highly active and lively bird that requires plenty of exercise to maintain proper health.1 Owners of sulphur-crested cockatoos should allow their pets a minimum of 3 to 4 hours of outside-the-cage playtime every day.

Provide the bird plenty of space to climb, stretch, and flap its wings. Most cockatoo owners provide their birds with play stands or special perches for their exercise needs.

Give your cockatoo plenty of interactive toys that can be chewed, grasped, and climbed. Cockatoos have one of the most powerful beaks in the parrot world, expect to give them durable toys. Birds get tired of the same toys every day, plan to rotate them in and out to keep your bird interested and distracted from unwanted behaviors like chewing on your wooden furniture.

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Yesterday though, while he was outside I brought out my spray bottle that mists, not sprays, 2 full bottles later and a sore finger on me I had to stop. He loved it and even tried to take his own bath in the water bowl. The black stuff is still on his head and neck but the tail cleaned up a lot. We have come to the conclusion it was candle residue, you can smell it on him still but when he was wet it was pretty strong. Good news is he had a wheeze that after a day of fresh air and a good soaking has all but cleared up. He was on just seed from Walmart. He has taken quickly to fresh foods and pellets. Well what he actually eats I am not sure, most of it he tucks under his wings after rolling it down his back. Mary Ann does that to, weird but cute to watch. It is called something but I can not think of it right now.

He does have a bald chest, shocking that one of our flock has bald spots I know but we will adjust to it, lol hahaha! He is a shoulder rider to and a very good one. He helped me with dinner last night, inspecting my every move. Pat took pictures but they are on his phone so it will take a few days for me to get them. Bongo is not happy about this at all and neither is Chacho because I am theirs and sharing is not something they do to well. Chacho even nipped at me and refused to look at me. I took him outside for some one on one time. He should get how much I love him after that. I was getting attacked by mosquitos and never moved to smash them since he was on me. I came in with no less than 15 bites. He was happy again and that was what mattered! Bongo also got over it.

The rest of my flock has no problem with him except for Oliver who is demanding Gus know that he is top bird in this house. The only birds that are allowed to perch together are my greys, ( not that they do, Gabby is usually flying around and only gets on her stand to eat and drink ) the macaws each have their own stands as will Gus when he is ready. They can see but can't touch, lol. Right now Gus is seperated from the rest but little visits are done with each from afar.

Jester is a joy! I love him, as he loves me. We work very well together. (: Jester loves to go outside, and play reverse fetch, and he makes lots of cute noises and talks a bit. He laughs at things so appropriately, sometimes even before we laugh at it! He is a fun boy!

These are the seond most expensive cockatoos that exist.--$3000 t0 $4000 per bird.

These cockatoos are the most aggressive of all cockatoos.

They don't do well as pets because of the climate they live in.----40 to 55 degrees

Enjoy the photo.

Last night we unexpectedly rescued a Goffin's Cockatoo. I am familiar with basic bird care, behavior, and things like that but know nothing about cockatoos them selves. I have a ton of homework and research to do now. lol Any tips you all suggest or any good sites where I can get some info on these fellows?

I have a 27 year old male (so they say). He does not look no where near 27. Looks VERY healthy! (BTW vet check is coming up). Very tame! Like all too's love cuddling and the human bond. Within in the first hours of being home he was already talking and dancing for us. He definitely settled in fast. I am just waiting for his personality to come through after he settles completely.

He was placed in an outdoor cage with NOTHING in it. Just 2 sticks that stuck through this man made cage that wasnt made well. With a small board on the top for some shade. Had a dish of nothing but sunflower seeds and a dish with dirty water. The caretaker was yelling at him and told us he doesnt like the bird. My, did I have to control myself then. I am just glad he is with us now and in good hands.

Is there any way to get an approximate of age? Unfortunately, there is no leg band to tell what age may be. It is just unbelievable to me that hes 27.

He is housed with a CAG, Sun Conure, 2 tiels, lovebird, and a bulbul bird. In all separate cages of course.

Any and all tips/suggestion and comments are welcome.

Take care and have a great weekend all!

When I opened up the Huff Post Good News today, this was the first article. Make sure you watch the video of him singing and dancing. So cute!

What do you think about their statement that he pulled his feathers out by his feet?

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The most remarkable feature of the Cockatoo is its crest which when excited or alarmed becomes raised and erectile. When the crest is lowered, the feathers fold back over the head and the crest is less visible. Therefore, the major purpose of the crest is communication. A lowered crest can indicate calm, friendliness and approachability.

In their native land Cockatoos feed on a variety of seeds, tubers, nuts and fruits, such as papaya, durian, langsat and rambutan. They love corn so are considered crop pests by the local farmers. They also eat crickets and skinks (lizard). Cockatoos use their strong and large beak for cracking large seeds and nuts. They can, therefore, cause a devastating brutal bite.

In captivity Cockatoos are generally fed a parrot mix of various seeds, nuts, dried fruits and vegetables. As well as fresh vegetables and fruit.

Because of their intelligence and need for entertainment the larger the cage, the better. Lots of chew toys and climbing perches are a must. Quality out of cage time with a dedicated owner is also a must for this affectionate feathered brainiac.

Because of the film Serpico and Al Pacino's character had a Cockatoo, and the television show Baretta where Robert Blake's character had a Triton Cockatoo named Fred. Cockatoo popularity took off in huge leaps and bounds. It is true that Cockatoos are highly intelligent and attractive parrots. They are mischievous beings and can have a comical attitude and are considered to have a very affectionate personality. However, Cockatoos require a lot of day to day attention otherwise they become bored and may start screaming and shrieking and become aggressive and cranky and then bite. Many Cockatoo owners describe their Too as being mean and a bad bird where in reality these cockatoos are just lonely, confused, displeased, or unhappy with the unsatisfactory treatment by their owners. A Cockatoo that is screaming and mutilating his feathers is most likely suffering from lack of attention and boredom. If you can't afford quality time to dedicate to your Cockatoo daily, you should not become a Cockatoo parront for both your sakes.

Cockatoos have a lifespan that can be long as 50-100 or more years. It is believed that Cockatoos are best kept by experienced large parrot owners who have ample time to cater to their demanding personal needs.

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I have noticed in the Pet Section of the local newspaper that a Lesser Sulfur Cockatoo is for sale. Cockatoos were my first parrot that I just had to have. I understand that they are more needy than a grey or amazon for that matter so I have read. But this species, the Lesser Sulfur, is more independent, so they write.

Any help from our Too parronts would be appreciated. Do any of you have a Lesser Sulfur Too????

And as for you Baretta..... Curses!!!

Cockatoo Species (Alphabetic Listing):

Abbott's Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoos Solombo besar, Medium sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Abbott's Medium Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

Bare-eyed or Little Corella Cockatoos

Black Cockatoos:

• Black Palm Cockatoos
  
• Carnaby"s White-tailed Black Cockatoos aka White-tailed Cockatoos
  
• Glossy Cockatoos
  
• Long-billed Black Cockatoo, also known as the White-tailed or White-eared Black Cockatoo or Baudin's Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii)
  
• Red-tailed Cockatoos
  
• Yellow-tailed Cockatoos
  

Blue-eyed Cockatoos

Carnaby's White-tailed Black Cockatoos

Citron Cockatoos aka Citron-crested or Sumba Cockatoos

Ducorp's Cockatoos aka Ducorps Cockatoos or Salomonenkakadu

Eleanora Cockatoos aka Greater Sulfur Crested Cockatoos, Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoos

Galah or Rose-breasted Cockatoos / Roseate

Gang Gang Cockatoos

Glossy Black Cockatoos

Goffin's Cockatoos

Great White Cockatoos

Leadbeater's or Major Mitchell's Cockatoos aka Pink Cockatoo

• Fitzroys Cockatoos aka Mathew's Cockatoos
  
  
• Mathew's Pink Cockatoos
  
  

Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoos

Little Corella Cockatoos

Little Major Mitchell's Cockatoos

Little- or Short-billed Corella Cockatoos

Long- or Slender-billed Corella or Slender-billed Cockatoos

Long-billed Black Cockatoo, also known as the White-tailed or White-eared Black Cockatoo or Baudin's Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii)

Major Mitchell's Cockatoos

Medium Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

Moluccan or Salmon-crested Cockatoos

Palm Cockatoos Cockatoos aka Black Palm Cockatoos

• Goliath Palm Cockatoos aka Greater Palm Cockatoos
  
  
• Van Oort's Palm Cockatoos
  
  

Philippine Cockatoos

Pink Cockatoos

Red-tailed, Bank's or Banksian Black Cockatoos

• Gould's Red-tailed Black Cockatoos
  
  
• Little Red-tailed Black Cockatoos
  
  

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos

Red-vented or Philippine Cockatoos

Rose-breasted / Roseate Cockatoos

Salmon-crested Cockatoos

Salomonenkakadu

Solombo Besar

Solomon Island Cockatoos

Short-billed Black Cockatoos

Slender-billed Cockatoos

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

• Greater Sulfur-crested Cockatoos
  
  
• Middle Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
  
  

Sumba Cockatoos

Timor Cockatoos / Timor Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

Triton Cockatoos

Umbrella Cockatoos aka White Cockatoos, Umbrella Crested Cockatoos

White-tailed or White-eared Black Cockatoo, also known as the Baudin's Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii)

White-tailed Black or Carnaby's Cockatoos

White / White-crested Cockatoos

Yellow-eared Black Cockatoo aka Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos

An older woman lost her home due to Hurricane Sandy, and has decided not to rebuild, but is moving into a condo. She has an 16 year old U2 that needs to be rehomed. She has asked us if we would adopt him.

We came up with all the Green Lights and Red Lights and it seemed that the Green Lights far surpassed the negatives. I work from home, we have the room, we live in the country where there are no neighbors to get annoyed with the bird noise, etc.

I was asking the advice of a bird store owner and she said that bringing a U2 into the flock would be a mistake. That Filbetr (my RB2) would learn octaves and noises I never knew possible. That he would be very jealous and the needy Too behaviors would emerge. Currently, Filbert is super independent and loads of fun. He's in no way a velcro bird. He loves to be busy and is only loud in the morning and night. Sam (CAG) loves to be crazy in the morning too. He's funny, attacking his toy, hanging upside down, quite happy.

Does anyone have a flock with multiple Toos? Any thoughts?

Karen

Today he joined our flock. We aren't totally sure what he is exactly as he appears to be a hybrid cockatoo of umbrella and either a citron or sulpher crested. We also aren't sure he's really a he (getting tested to make sure). Also based on info on his ring he might be 25 years old.

We are replacing his cage and everything as it was a mess.

Some more points that I think are noteworthy - he only does this in the evening as I mentioned. He only does this when he is being held or when someone is in his immediate vicinity. If he is left alone in his cage, he goes on about his own business - playing, eating, etc. Also - I have experience handfeeding and am 100% confident in my ability to give him a comfort feeding if this is the route we choose to take. I know the risks of handfeeding and would never attempt to do it if I weren't certain that I know what to do.

My only goal is to give Tucker the best shot at being a confident and outgoing 'too. What would you do?

This is a crazy week for us - between visitations and funerals, I don't know if I'm coming or going. So Tucker was just allowed to adjust to his surroundings last night without everyone wanting to hold and cuddle him.

I will be home more tonight so it will be time to clip the razor sharp nails and get some more hands on time

He's 8 weeks old and extremely fiesty and brave- I had a blast playing with him for hours on Saturday.

I will post photos soon. I was "playing it cool" and didn't want to take a lot of photos until I made up my mind if this was the little guy for me. The store has confirmed that this little one was NEVER on Kaytee (it's on Zupreem formula) and it's had a vet check now and will have one before he comes home in July. I'm looking forward to having a new fid for us, and a companion for Sam. (We brought Sam and he had no problems sharing a perch with Filbert- introductions going well).

For those unfamiliar, one of our rescues is a Triton Cockatoo named Tango. Before she came to us, she had been clipped before fledging and had been kept in a cage for 8 years with no contact. The previous family had been very good to her but had no contact besides having her clipped. She has not been re-clipped since we have had her and she has had full flight feathers for a couple of years now. She has shown no desire to fly and the few times that she hangs on her cage and flaps her wings, the cage has lifted 3 inches...LOL...Today, she was a little upset with me because I was home from work a little later than usual. I had grabbed her food dishes out of her cage so I could refill them because she had pitched them in a fit. She had become more upset that I had the nerve to remove them so she decided to take matters into her own hands so to speak. I was about 4-5 feet away from her with my back to her and she leaped off the cage, started flapping and flew to me, landing on my back!!!! I don't know who was more surprised, her or me...LOL...

When you have a bird that big and who weighs that much, it is a little bit different than when a 'Zon or Grey lands on you. You fear a loss of an ear or a chunk of neck or a new unwanted piercing...Jay couldn't help me...and she was nipping at my neck as I walked back to her cage. I had to bribe her with pistachios...which she took after spending five minutes trying to wrestle the plastic jar out of my hand...LOL...It was worth every bit of it to have her fly! It is just that with a bird of her size, there is that fear factor in the back of your mind...And Jay wants a Macaw...hahahaha! When hell freezes over.....

Cockatoos, considered the pigeons of the Australian Outback, are native to Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, there are over 40 species of cockatoo. These can be divided into two main groups – the white cockatoos and the black cockatoos. indigenous to Australia. The most obvious external feature of a cockatoo is the erectile crest that raises immediately when alarmed or excited.

They can live up to 100 years old and make wonderful companions although they do need a significant amount of attention from their owner. They are very cuddly and have great personalities.

They can be very loud and although this should never be eliminated, there are training methods to cut down on the noise and yelling.